Latest news with #StuWilson
RNZ News
14-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Stu Wilson remembered: All Blacks star farewelled at funeral
Stu Wilson during his time as a rugby commentator for Sky Sport Photo: Photosport Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson had an energy that made him unforgettable, mourners were told at his Tauranga funeral. All Blacks teammates joined family and friends at the service at Bethlehem Baptist Church this afternoon. Wilson, 70, died peacefully in his sleep at his home last weekend. Mourners heard of a vibrant personality, who had an innate ability to connect with people, as well as reaching the top of the rugby world, with his extraordinary ability as a player. He played 34 tests for the All Blacks, with 85 games in all for the national side, scoring 50 tries, 19 of them in tests. He also played 89 matches for Wellington, forging a dynamic partnership with fellow winger Bernie Fraser. Daughters Kristy and Livvy, New Zealand Rugby president Matthew Cooper and former Wellington and All Blacks teammate Murray Mexted were among the speakers at the service. A family eulogy detailed a sporting career, with a young Wilson excelling in several sports, including rugby, cricket, golf and athletics. He was born in Gore, but raised mostly in Wairarapa. In form two at Masterton Intermediate, he took part in the Wellington regional athletics champs, winning five titles - the 100m, 200m, 800m, high jump and long jump. After leaving school, he tossed up between cricket and rugby as his main sport, choosing the latter. Cooper, who also played for the All Blacks eight years after Wilson's retirement in 1984, recalled watching him play for Wellington College Old Boys in the 1970s, saying he was like a ''puppet master at the fair". Stu Wilson played 34 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 19 tries. Photo: photosport "They only needed a forward pack, a first-five and a halfback and Stu Wilson, and still would have cleaned up.'' Wilson was the "best rugby player on the planet'' in his prime, Cooper said. "Beyond the statistics, beyond the commentary, beyond the tries and many highlights, Stu carried an energy that made him unforgettable. His half-glass-full personality, always with a smile, always bringing joy, was as much a part of his legacy as his talent as a rugby player." Mexted said he had been good mates with Wilson for 50 years. On the rugby field, Wilson had a great feel for the game. "He was an international rugby star and, as the years go by, we tend to forget about how good players were, but I will never forget how good Stu was. "What I loved about him too was how much he appreciated people and how good he was to people that felt uncomfortable, and I saw examples of that throughout my years with him." He said he had a coffee with Wilson the day before his death. "He was so full of life, and he had this smile on his face and he had no inclination he was about to pass." The family eulogy emphasised his ability to connect with and help people, with plenty of mentions of his recent job as an orderly at Tauranga Hospital. "He will be admired for his talent, humour, humility and kindness. His big laugh, the glint in his eye, his fast stride and his constant smile.'' Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
12-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
NZ Sporting History: Phil Gifford on Stu Wilson
New Zealand rugby lost another great this week with Stu Wilson dying at the age of 70 . For most of his career, Stu served as a winger, playing 85 games for the All Blacks and almost 200 for Wellington. He scored 19 test tries in that time. Off the field he was known for his colourful sense of humour and was later praised for his match commentary. Following his death, Stu's one-time teammate Murray Mexted said he "lived life with a smile on his face". Sports journalist and broadcaster Phil Gifford joins Jesse to look back at Stu Wilson's career. Stu Wilson in action, New Zealand All Blacks v British Lions, 16 July 1983. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Nation goes into mourning over death of all-time footy legend Stu Wilson: 'He was the man we all wanted to be'
New Zealand footy fans are mourning following the death of former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson. The winger - famed for his sense of humour - chalked up 34 Test appearances in a decorated career. He also captained the Kiwis on the 1983 tour of Scotland and England. Aussie rugby legend David Campese told Planet Rugby that Wilson - who died peacefully in his sleep - was the 'benchmark in world wing play.' 'He was the man we all wanted to be – cocky, clever, blisteringly quick and intelligent,' he said. 'As a player, Stu made rugby look easy. He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, making him a try-scoring machine. Aussie rugby legend David Campese told Planet Rugby that Wilson was the 'benchmark in world wing play' 'I made my debut against him in 1982 in the Bledisloe in Christchurch and grabbed my first Test try against him. 'We became very great pals, playing together in invitation games. I still have his jersey from that first Test match and it's one of my most cherished possessions as he represented the standard I wanted to attain.' One-time All Blacks team-mate Murray Mexted was stunned by the news, revealing he enjoyed a coffee with Wilson on the morning of his death. 'He was just his normal self, chirpy with a spring in his step, so it's a hell of a shock,' Mexted told RNZ. 'You never had a dull Stu lived life with a smile on his face. 'We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player.' NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Wilson will be sorely missed. 'Stu was ahead of his time in the way played what was in front of him and beat defenders in multiple ways with his footwork, speed or kick ahead,'' he said. 'His flair and joy for the game inspired a generation.'
Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson dies aged 70
New Zealand's Stu Wilson scoring a try as South Africa's Gysie Pienaar tackles him in the first rugby test match at Lancaster Park, Christchurch on Aug 15, 1981. PHOTO: AFP Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson died on Sunday at the age of 70, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said. Wilson made his debut in 1976 and played in 34 Tests, scoring 19 Test tries and becoming the first wing to captain the All Blacks when he led the side in their tour of Scotland and England in 1983. He was also part of their 4-0 series win over the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 1983, scoring a hat-trick of tries in the fourth Test. Former All Blacks loose forward Murray Mexted said his former teammate 'lived life with a smile on his face'. 'We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player,' he told Radio New Zealand on Monday. 'He just seemed to slide through gaps effortlessly and he was so good at it that they moved him into centre at one stage.' Wilson also made 89 appearances for Wellington between 1975 and 1984, scoring 216 points. 'Beyond his playing career, Wilson remained an influential voice in the game, contributing as a commentator and advocate for rugby, always bringing insight and passion to his analysis,' the Wellington Rugby Football Union said in a statement. 'Stu Wilson's contribution to rugby in Wellington and New Zealand is immeasurable. He was more than just a world-class player; he was a proud ambassador for the sport, his province, and his country.' REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Irish Examiner
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson passes away aged 70
Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson died on Sunday at the age of 70, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said. Wilson made his debut in 1976 and played in 34 tests, scoring 19 test tries and becoming the first wing to captain the All Blacks when he led the side in their tour of Scotland and England in 1983. He was also part of their 4-0 series win over the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 1983, scoring a hat-trick of tries in the fourth test. Wilson was part of the New Zealand side who lost 12-0 to Munster in Thomond Park in 1978. Former All Blacks loose forward Murray Mexted said his former teammate "lived life with a smile on his face". "We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player," he told Radio New Zealand on Monday. "He just seemed to slide through gaps effortlessly and he was so good at it that they moved him into centre at one stage." REMEMBERED: Larry Moloney and Seamus Dennilson track the run of All Black Stu Wilson during Munster's historic 12-0 victory over the All Blacks at Thomond Park in 1978 Wilson also made 89 appearances for Wellington between 1975 and 1984, scoring 216 points. "Beyond his playing career, Wilson remained an influential voice in the game, contributing as a commentator and advocate for rugby, always bringing insight and passion to his analysis," the Wellington Rugby Football Union said in a statement. "Stu Wilson's contribution to rugby in Wellington and New Zealand is immeasurable. He was more than just a world-class player; he was a proud ambassador for the sport, his province, and his country."
